Player Name: RB Sammy Morris
Experience: 11 years in the NFL, 3 with the New England Patriots
Past Role: Looking just at Morris' role with the Patriots, it appears that he's played everything. He's been the #1 running back, in 2008, when Laurence Maroney was injured, but he got injured himself for a few weeks in the middle of the season (leading to the surprise emergence of BenJarvus Green-Ellis). He's been the sidekick, like in 2007 when he split carries with Maroney (up until Morris had a season ending injury). He's been the depth back, like this past year, when the Patriots brought Fred Taylor into the fold, diminishing Morris' role on the offense (oh- and Morris was injured again).
Morris can run the ball (4.5, 4.7 and 4.4 ypc with the Patriots) and he can catch the ball (6, 17, 19 catches with the Patriots).
Morris hasn't had a full season, due to injury. Ever. But when he has played, he's done well enough to warrant a roster spot.
Predicted Role: Morris will provide depth at running back, in case of an injury to either Laurence Maroney or Fred Taylor. The Patriots will most likely use three backs a game, with Kevin Faulk being one of those backs. That means Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris will split carries as Maroney will play in as many games as he can. Morris provides a solid, if unspectacular, back-up at the running back position.
Morris will also be a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Predicted Season Numbers: 100 carries, 450 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Fumble, 20 receptions, 200 yards, 1 TD.
Predicted Depth Chart: #4 RB
Summary: As much as Morris' injuries should cost him a roster spot, he's still a much more developed player than BenJarvus Green-Ellis- and with both players only having 1 guaranteed year on their contracts left, look for the Patriots to go with the more experienced and proven of the backs. Sammy Morris makes the team, Green-Ellis gets cut.